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The word “influenza” comes from the Italian influentia because people used to believe that the influence of the planets, stars, and moon caused the flu—for only such universal influence could explain such sudden and widespread sickness.

Annual flu viruses (not including flu pandemics) infect up to 20% of Americans, put 200,000 in the hospital with flu-related complications, and kill about 36,000 people.

The cost of treating annual flu epidemics, including lost wages and productivity of workers, is billions of dollars each year in just the United States alone.

There have been four major global flu pandemics since 1900: the Swine flu (officially named “Novel H1N1 Influenza A”), the Hong Kong flu (1968-1969), the Asian flu pandemic (1957-1958), and the Spanish flu (1918-1919).

The single deadliest flu pandemic in history was the Spanish flu pandemic. It occurred in the three waves of increasing lethality.

It killed more people in 24 weeks than AIDS did in 24 years.

More people in one year than smallpox or the Black Plague did in 50 years.

More Americans in one year than the combined total who died in battle during WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Viruses mutate more in one day than humans did in several million years.

Flu viruses can live up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and up to 12 hours on cloth and tissues.

It can take 1-2 weeks after being vaccinated before protective immunity develops.

The first time that children younger than 9 years old receive the flu vaccine they need to receive 2 doses at least a month apart from each other.

The flu vaccine can’t give you the flu. The vaccines only contain a dead piece of the flu virus, and a dead virus can’t infect you.

For further information on how a flu shot can help you, please call 360-734-5413 x118.

This will be a fun event, and Hoagland Pharmacy will be there! Stop by and say “Hello!” We are offering a Lift Chair Sale for this event, bring this coupon in to our store for a great discount on Lift Chairs! Expires April 30, 2013. Call 360-685-5004 for further information

You have asked and we have listened. We are excited to now be offering Pride Seat Lift Chairs at a fabulous price. Come and work with our trained Durable Medical Equipment team for assistance on picking out the BEST chair for you or your loved one. We have over 30 styles we can order with 35 fabric options to meet all types of needs. They have a simple to use remote control and are fully automated. Our chairs are high quality furniture that will look nice in your home and provide functionality to your day to day life. If you would be interested in getting more information, please call (360) 685-5004 or come in today!

Summer is just about over and kids are starting back to school. We have heard from some of our customers about great vacations, times with family, and great adventures they have experienced. We appreciate those that were willing to share their stories with us. Part of the excitement that has happened at Hoagland Pharmacy this summer involves our footware department.

About a month ago, Hoagland Pharmacy received an upgrade on our ISTEP machine from Aetrex. If you haven’t had a chance to come in for a free footscan, we encourage you to do so. The upgrade features 3D views and Mobile connectivity that allows us to send the footscan to your mobile device or e-mail. You are also able to be entered to win free shoes for life directly from Aetrex.

Come in today and see our great selection of shoes and sandals and allow our Durable Medical Team show you the latest technology available to make your feet happy. Our Sandals are now on sale for 20% off (while supplies last). We have a wonderful selection of shoes still in stock and we hope to see us today. Our sandals will be a great addition to your next adventure!! Please call (360) 685-5004 or e-mail customerservice@hoaglandpharmacy.com with any questions!

Bellingham,WA August 2, 2012 – In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), Hoagland Pharmacy is encouraging community members of all ages to protect their health by getting immunized against infectious diseases.

“As children prepare to return to school, now’s a great time for parents to ensure students of all ages – even college students – are caught up on recommended immunizations,” said Ruth Lang, LPN at Hoagland Pharmacy. “Flu season is only a short time away, so community members should take the time now to get their flu shots. Recent regional spikes in whooping cough also underscore the need for community members to work with their physician and local pharmacist to ensure that they’re up-to-date on other vaccinations as well.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50,000 people die from vaccine-preventable diseases each year. Influenza and pneumococcal infections combined account for more than 90 percent of these deaths, making these preventable afflictions the 8th leading cause of death in the United States.¹

“While many understand the importance of vaccinating our children against common diseases, all too often we forget adults need to make sure they’re up-to-date with vaccinations, too,” said Ruth Lang, LPN at Hoagland Pharmacy. “We want to be there to help our patients defend themselves against these diseases, which is why we offer easy, convenient access to routine immunizations for the entire community.”

To help members of the community better understand the importance of scheduled immunization and how they can be obtained conveniently and inexpensively, Lang offers the following tips:

Don’t forget your flu shot. Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with influenza and influenza-related complications (pneumonia, reye syndrome, myocarditis, etc), accounting for more than 60 percent of all hospitalizations among people over 65-years-old[2]. To safeguard against seasonal influenza, be sure to get vaccinated early. A prescription is not required and getting the vaccine early will help keep you and your family from contracting this harmful disease or spreading it to others.

Start early, stay up-to-date. The CDC recommends that influenza vaccinations be administered to all persons aged 6-months and older who do not have contraindications or allergies to the vaccine[3]. However, once an immunization regimen is started, it is critical to follow recommended vaccination schedules through childhood and adulthood to maintain immunity. For example, influenza vaccine requires patients to be immunized annually; other vaccines can remain effective for several years before a “booster” is required. Consult your physician and/or pharmacist to ensure your immunizations are up to date.

Know when you need an immunization prescription. While all trained and certified pharmacists are authorized to administer the seasonal flu vaccine without a prescription – under physician protocol, some vaccinations may require a prescription from your primary care physician. To learn more about which vaccinations require a prescription from your primary care physician, visit or contact [NAME OF PHARMACY] during regular store hours.

Hoagland Pharmacy offers vaccination services by appointment and welcome walk-ins for flu shots. The certified pharmacy staff at Hoagland Pharmacy also provides immunization delivery services to local area businesses, school systems and senior care facilities. If you are interested in these services please contact Carrie Stephens at (360) 685-5012 or via e-mail at cstephens@hoaglandpharmacy.com.

To learn more about the pharmacy services offered at Hoagland Pharmacy visit Hoagland Pharmacy or call Ruth Lang at (360) 685-5018 during store hours.

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Achievements in Public Health, 1900–1999: Control of infectious diseases. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 1999 Jul 30; 48(29):621-9.